A Meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 28th March 2011 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall
9 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (Chairman), Miss E. Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Mrs C. Hunt, D. R Johnson, Mr I Jones, Mrs J. Lowe, Mr J Robinson, Capt. B Tarr. In attendance: District Cllr Rowe
1 Apologies. - County Cllr Pennington
2 Police Report – No police report was received
3 To confirm the minutes of the last meetings on 28th February 2011
These were taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
4 Matters arising from the Minutes –Item 10 Cllr Ellis advised that she had contacted the owners of the hedge along Broad Path. It was agreed that a letter be sent. Cllr Jones advised that he would look at the bushes which obscure the 20mph sign at Rydon Cross. Cllr Tarr reported the potholes in Yalberton Road had now been marked.
5 Chairman’s Report – The Chairman had nothing to report other than the items on the agenda.
6 Reports from County and District Councillors – District Cllr Rowe advised that there was no news from SHDC. After the May elections the new Council would be formed and new members would take up new posts.
7 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at a planning meeting held on 28th March 2011 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Ellis, Bridge, Robinson and Lowe.
1) Dart River Cottage (aka Red Slipper) – Change of use to tea rooms No objection. Cllr Bridge did not attend this part of the meeting
2) 1 Hillfield – Installation of ground mounted array of Solar panels No objection with condition that the existing bushes and hedge remain as a screen
3) 4 Waddeton Cottages, Waddeton – Extensions to form additional accommodation and garage No objection
4) Orchard Lees, Vicarage Close – New porch and windows No objection
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC
1. Waterside House, Byter Mill Lane – redesign of previously approved entrance and new garden room
2. Oldwood House, Aish Road – demolition and replacement of garage with bedrooms over
Planning Applications refused by SHDC - None
Appeals Received by SHDC - None
Applications Withdrawn - None
Ongoing Applications – From an issue raised during the ten minute session concerning the state of the wall bordering Paignton Road and the Gabriel Court Hotel Cllr Rowe advised that checks had been by South Hams DC. Cllr Robinson advised that the Midas planning application report had been drawn up and that the Council would look closely to ensure that all agreed conditions were met. He asked members of the public to advise the Council if there were any concerns. A letter was read out concerning the proposals at White Rock and the concerns of the Council to this application. It was agreed that a copy of the letter would be posted on the Council notice board and on the website. Concerning planning applications for conversion of a barn at The Cider Press, Higher Aish Barns, Aish and conversion of a garage in Mill Hill site meetings were held on Thursday 24th March at which the planning committee chairman, Cllr Hunt and acting clerk Cllr Robinson met with the case office and DCC highways. It was agreed that the decisions made at the last meeting of the planning committee would stand with objections to both applications.
8 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk – Cllr Robinson advised that he had been in contact with South Hams DC concerning the small increase in the Council tax although no increases had been made to the precepts. He was advised that the rate is based on the number of dwellings where the District Council would expect to receive council tax. This figure changes each year so the calculations differ. The contract of ownership of the Aish phone box had been signed and passed to the Council. A letter had been received from the Health and Safety team concerning the gate to the play area. A suitable hook latch should be fitted. As the Pre-School were prepared to organize and pay for this it was agreed that the work should be carried out. It was agreed to make a donation of £ 50.00 to the National Royal British Legion in recognition of their 90th birthday. Cllr Robinson advised that the polling day for the local Parish elections would be 5th May and nominations must be received by South Hams DC by noon on Monday 4th April. Cllr Robinson advised that a referendum would be held on 5th May to decide on the way Members of Parliament should be elected. A notice had been posted on the Council notice board.
9 Hoyle Copse – Cllr. Jones reported that the winter work was coming to an end. Further work would include clearing the floor of the Copse of scrub. During the summer work would be carried out to the stone wall on the eastern boundary.
10 Highway and Hedgerow Matters - Cllr Ellis advised that the sign post in Hillfield had been knocked and the grass verges in Barn Park had not been repaired. A further letter would be written to South Hams DC. Cllr Ellis also advised that the hedge in Lembury Road needed cutting. Cllr Lowe advised that a large tree in Byter Mill Lane was overhanging the path and was considered dangerous. She would advise Cllr Robinson of its exact location and a letter would be written to British Telecom. The lights at Ramslade Caravan Park were now on all night. A letter would be written to South Hams DC. Cllr Bridge raised concern over the bank at the end of the path at the Mill Pond where the wooden posts appeared to be falling over. Cllr Bridge also raised concern over the length of time the barriers were in place at White Hill Cottages. Cllr Hunt advised that there were potholes at the White Hill end of Coombe House Lane. Cllr Tarr raised concern over dogs being allowed in the Orchard play area. A letter had been sent to South Hams DC but would be followed up. All Cllrs reported that they had walked the various footpaths and confirmed that they were open. Cllr Robinson advised that there would a further road closure in April. Paignton Road would be closed from Wednesday 6th April to Friday 8th April and the alternative route would be via New Road, Vicarage Road and Flood Street.
11 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Bridge asked about the bus service. The present service would cease on Saturday 2nd April and the new Local Link bus service would start on Monday 4th April using the present time table for the next six months. A notice would be placed on the Council notice board. Cllr Jones advised that the RPA had carried out an inspection of the Orchard and confirmed the grant aid would continue. Cllr Hunt expressed concern about the number of tyres on a roof of a dwelling in Hillfield. Cllr Robinson advised that the enforcement officer had already been contacted. Cllr Tarr advised that Plandscape had agreed to cut the verges presently cut by South Hams for an extra £ 65.00 plus vat per cut. It was proposed by Cllr Tarr and seconded by Cllr Ellis that this should be accepted with all in favour. A letter would be written to Plandscape accepting their proposal and a letter to DCC advising them of the change. Cllr Robinson advised that following the agreement at the last Council meeting, a local painting had been purchased as a gift to Rebecca Gilmore for her involvement with the new play area. It was agreed that this cost could be included in item 12 of the agenda and the presentation would be made to her in the play area at 6.00pm on 18th April prior to the April Council meeting.
12 Accounts –
To agree the following payment of accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Lowe to make these payments:
J Robinson – Expenses £ 45.58
Stoke Gabriel village hall – hall hire £ 64.00
The Country Gallery – painting gift £ 30.00
At the end of the meeting Duncan Passmore raised concerns over the issue of a Community Housing Trust and advised the Council that a further meeting would be held in the village hall on Tuesday 29th March. Mr Passmore asked if the Council would support this venture. The Chairman advised that the Council were awaiting further details.
The date of the next meeting would be 18th April and the A.G.M. would be held on 16th May 2011.
There being no other business the Chairman closed the meeting closed at 8.40pm.